With the latest Budget, local charities across Doncaster might find themselves asking, “Is this good news, or is it more belt-tightening?” From higher wages to energy efficiency support, here’s the Budget breakdown with a dose of what it could mean for our charity sector.

The Good News
The Budget does bring some positives to the table for charities. The increase in the National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour ensures fairer pay for charity workers, especially in social care and community services. There’s also new funding directed at social services and infrastructure improvements, which could open up collaboration opportunities for charities supporting health and wellness initiatives.
There’s also £5 billion pledged for energy efficiency, which, while not directly aimed at charities, may result in more support for retrofitting community buildings and reducing operating costs in the long run.
The Not-So-Good News
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The increased wages, while beneficial, mean charities will need to stretch their budgets further – particularly those already working with tight funds. Additional financial strain may come from potential capital gains tax adjustments and the freeze on income tax thresholds, which could impact donations as household disposable incomes tighten.
Moreover, while no direct fuel duty increases were confirmed, any future changes would disproportionately affect charities with logistical expenses, especially those that provide transport services across South Yorkshire.
Balancing the Impacts
So, what can Doncaster charities do? First, it’s essential to prepare for these wage adjustments in budgets while keeping an eye on grants or partnership opportunities from increased social services funding. It’s also worth checking out potential energy efficiency grants to ease long-term operating costs.
It’s a mixed bag, but with some creativity, Doncaster charities can navigate these changes while keeping a focus on mission-driven impact. Whether that’s through forming new partnerships or budgeting wisely, there’s hope that this Budget can still be a win for charities serving our community.